Junction and Big Dam Bridges

In case you haven't heard, there are two new ways to cross the river. This isn't exactly new news, but I recently had a chance to put both to use, so I wanted to share my impression of each one.

The first bridge to be completed and the first one I got around to using is the Big Dam Bridge.

It spans the river from Murray Park on one side to Cook's Landing on the other. I got a little turned around the first time I went looking for it, probably because I'm not familiar with Cook's Landing. On the upside, I got to take a little driving tour of the business park going up down there. If you want to avoid the same type of meandering by actually looking at a map beforehand, there is one available at BigDamBridge.com.

The bridge got it's name because it goes right across the lock and dam at that part of the river. This makes for an incredible view when the dam is churning. You can stand right on top of the damn and see the water perfectly still on one side and wildly turbulent on the other. There is a little informational plaque part way across the bridge that gives some information about the purpose of the dam and how much electricity is can produce, so look for that if you're interested.

I've been to this bridge several times now and there always seems to be a good mix of people. Some people come for the view and stroll across while others jog for exercise. There are also plenty of people riding their bikes and walking dogs (although not at the same time). The bridge has a "lane" divider running down the middle as a reminder to observer a common sense flow of traffic, and it's plenty wide to accommodate visitors of any inclination, so come and enjoy at your own pace.

The bridge is longer than the span of the river to allow for a steady incline on either side. As a result, the walk up either side feels about as long as the middle section. Once you get right over the dam, there are a few seating areas that jut out of the way of traffic. This gives you the perfect opportunity to take a short rest or enjoy the view in either direction.

If you're into longer walking or cycling trails, the bridge connections trails on either side of the river so that you can actually ride all the way up to Conway and end up traveling about 100 miles if you did the entire circuit. There is a shorter circuit that takes you around to Pinnacle mountain and through the river market. Check out bigdambridge.com or rivertrail.org for a bit more information.

I've really enjoyed walking the bridge every time I've done it. I usually take my dog with me and it's just enough of a walk to get the day going without wearing myself out. There are also some picnic tables and fishing areas, around Cook's landing so you could make a day of it.

Until I went looking for the Big Dam Bridge, I didn't know where it was, but not so for the Junction Bridge. I've ever been anywhere near downtown, you probably know exactly where the Junction Bridge is. It used to be a railroad bridge, but hasn't been in working order for as long as I can remember.

Look familiar?


The Little Rock side starts just west of the amphitheater. From that side, you have to take stairs or an elevator up to the start of the bridge. This is because one section of the bridge is higher to allow barges to pass under it. Being a little higher up makes for a great view, but it's a little disjointed to have to take stairs up at the beginning, the back down halfway through. The first time I used the bridge through, I just went up to the raised section, enjoyed the view for a bit, then headed back down. This bridge is more useful for its scenic view and connection between the cities than for exercise, so having to go up and down isn't too big of a deal.

One thing that surprised me about the Junction bridge was how nice and clean it looked once you're on it. Looking at the bridge from the shore, it looks like the weathered, unused railroad bridge that it is, but once you're on it, there are trash cans, benches and plenty of lighting. While I'm glad the area is well-lit, there were a lot of bugs when I went at night, especially around and in the elevator.

With the addition of these bridges to the city landscape, there are now two new ways to cross the river. Each with it's own purpose and each doing a fine job of it. If you're looking to get a little exercise and enjoy some scenery away from the city, give the Big Dam Bridge a try. If you're looking for a leisurely stroll and a nice view of the city after dinner downtown, make your way over to the Junction Bridge. Just two more reasons to get out and enjoy the city. You're here, might as well make the best of it!